Coastal cleanups participated by CCC in Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park, Isla Pulo in Navotas, and Mall of Asia Seaside in Pasay. Photos by: Albert Alcain and Alona Arreza.

As climate change worsens, this National Cleanup Month reminds us that a clean environment is crucial for the health of our ecosystem. It is also an opportunity to encourage individuals, organizations, academe, and communities to take the initiative and engage in sustainable practices.

Community cleanups help enhance the resilience of our communities in several key ways: reduce pollution and floods, ignite climate action initiatives, and build local capacity for disaster response. Through active participation in these cleanups, we not only beautify our surroundings but also strengthen our ability to recover from climate-induced disasters such as floods, extreme rainfall, and severe weather events. 

Inadequate waste management has become a major concern in building a climate-resilient community. Environmental degradation disrupts ecosystems and poses serious risks to public health and safety. Flooded streets, polluted waterways, and the heat-trapping effects of excessive waste contribute to more frequent and severe weather events, underscoring the urgent need for large-scale cleanup efforts.

However, true sustainability demands more than just cleanup activities. We must adopt better habits and implement efficient waste management practices. While cleanups are important, they only address the symptoms of a broader waste problem. Every piece of plastic waste we manage brings us closer to reduce the long-term need for cleanups.

By focusing on effective waste management— through proper waste disposal, recycling, and responsible consumption– we work toward sustainable, long-term solutions to our environmental challenges. 

As we move through September, let's stay mindful of our actions, particularly in waste management. Simple steps can make a huge impact on global challenges and contribute to a more sustainable world.

Proclamation No. 244 declares September as National Cleanup Month, while Presidential Proclamation No. 470 designates the third Saturday of September as National Cleanup Day. These initiatives encourage communities to actively participate in cleaning and protecting the environment.

For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.